1942 Washington Quarter

About This Coin

The 1942 Washington Quarter is a United States quarter from the Washington Silver Quarters 1932-1964 series — 10th of 32 years in the series. In 1942, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 139.0 million. This ranks 29th of 32 years by total mintage, above the series median of 87.7 million. The obverse features George Washington facing left, based on a 1786 bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. Final pre-war year at three mints. Some 1942-D coins show weak mint marks. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.3 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 78 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1932 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $19 to $8.6K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $19K in MS68 grade at Superior Galleries. Designed by John Flanagan.